Declan Rice Says He Can Sustain Another 60-Game Season

Declan Rice has said he believes his body can withstand another season of more than 60 appearances, even as Arsenal closely manage his workload after an injury-affected World Cup. The England midfielder has started every Arsenal match since coming off the bench in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in Cardiff.

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The Guardian reported that Arsenal are monitoring the 27-year-old after he had only three weeks away from football before returning to training. Rice was back with the squad one week before the Community Shield, having played through discomfort during the World Cup and received painkilling injections last season.

Rice made 69 appearances for Arsenal and England during the previous campaign. He said he has exceeded 60 games in each of the past six seasons, including his time at West Ham, and considers that schedule sustainable. His priority, he said, is maintaining his level and consistency while continuing to help his team win.

The midfielder disclosed during the World Cup that he had been managing neural back and hamstring pain following a hamstring injury in December. Rice said the combination of a demanding Premier League season, Champions League football and playing a World Cup in hot conditions took a toll. He acknowledged that there were periods during the tournament when he did not feel fully fit.

According to The Guardian, Arsenal offered Rice additional time off after the World Cup, but he wanted to return for the opening of the season. Rice now says he feels refreshed and in good form. The report added that Arsenal are likely to ask England to consider rest opportunities for Rice and Bukayo Saka during the coming international schedule.

Arsenal strengthened their midfield by signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for £75 million, with reducing the burden on Rice identified by The Guardian as a major factor in the move. Guimaraes has had his return from injury managed, while Rice played the full match in Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League win away to Napoli on Wednesday. His continued availability has therefore remained important despite the club’s efforts to spread the workload.